Safeguarding WATER QUALITY in Ontario

Lakehead University is helping communities function as better stewards of Canada's fresh water resources. In Orillia, Biology professors Dr. Nandakumar Kanavillil and Dr. Sreekumari Kurissery are leading research projects to monitor the nutrient levels of water in Lake Simcoe. Funded by Environment Canada through its Lake Simcoe Clean Up Fund, these projects are being done in collaboration with Dr. Peter Lee, Chair of the Department of Biology and Director of Lakehead University's Environmental Laboratory.

In Thunder Bay, Dr. Robert Stewart is leading a team of researchers to assess ecosystem impairments in the Thunder Bay and Nipigon Bay Areas of Concern (AOCs), and to coordinate Remedial Action Plans (RAPs) along the North Shore of Superior.

“Lakehead is the first academic institution to be given a leadership role by the federal/provincial government in the Remedial Action Plan for the Thunder Bay Area of Concern,” says Stewart. “Our ability to build research capacity, provide social learning and community action research opportunities, and engage the public and government in adaptive decision-making based on the best available science has provided a model for other academic-government partnerships to get involved in Great Lakes management.”

A recent Stormwater Impacts Assessment report, completed by Lakehead University and the North Shore Remedial Action Plan, in collaboration with the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority and EcoSuperior Environmental Programs, has provided the City of Thunder Bay with the necessary information to develop a stormwater management plan for the municipality.

This year, Lakehead launched Canada's first interdisciplinary Honours Bachelor of Arts and Science major in Environmental Sustainability – offered only at Lakehead's Orillia campus

MAKE A DIFFERENCE - click to donate